Our corner of Michigan was under a snow advisory. In layman’s terms, that means “get out the shovel and snow blower”. If you still love snow, it was a beautiful afternoon. Picture this: dark green pine trees covered with a lace of flakes, swirling snow that looked like a just shaken snow globe, no sunshine, so colors where shades of white to dark gray. It wasn’t too cold, and there was no wind. For Michigan, it was a typical January day. I mention, if you still love snow, because I think I have gotten to an age or place where I sometimes forget its beauty. The bother of shoveling, de-icing, and worry about getting from place to place took over for the delight of a day of sledding when I was a kid. I do like to look out and admire it but seldom use it for “entertainment”.

I had just finished an hour of snow removal and remembered that the 3 and 4-month-old puppies had to go out—again. This is so much easier in the warm months of summer! (I was reminded again the reason that I like springtime litters best!) I plopped the puppies in the x-pens, they did their business and I brought them in. They looked a little sad as if to say, “Can’t we play in the new snow? PLEASE?” Their Momma’s, Abby and Suzan said that it would be all right. “C’mon, please?”

I took the boisterous puppies out. I’m so glad I did or I would have missed something very special. They all had been out on the shoveled patio a couple of times earlier in the week, but not on this new, fluffy stuff! It tasted good, it felt good and it was a wonderful thing! They plowed through and over the snow banks jumping at the flakes in the air. If they had been characters in a children’s book, they would have had on mittens and scarves! They followed me quite a distance to fill the bird feeders and all the way back. (“Let’s do it again,” was the look on their faces!) We played for almost 20 minutes. Their colors were true and beautiful against the snow. What pretty puppies! We all could have stayed out longer because it was so much fun! Not wanting them to get them really chilled and with their faces looking like frosted chrysanthemums it was becoming a little hard to see them. We came in for treats—no hot chocolate, but a cookie or two for them –and a glass of wine for me. Snowy feet and coats melted off into puddles on the floor. Oh well, I had to mop today anyway! Soon, the tired babes snoozed until supper.

Thank Heaven for puppies! God gave them to us for a reason. Today, I was again reminded of that. Don’t take life too seriously. Play! Experience the world around you.

Dogs (and puppies) teach us how to live a good life when we take the time to let them.

The following list was given to me by a family when they took their new puppy home. You have probably seen it before, but here it is again. It makes sense to me!

IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER:

You would learn stuff like…

When a loved one comes home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it is your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they have invaded your territory.
Take naps, and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often your are scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout……run right back in and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want to do lies buried, dig until your find it.
And…MOST of all…
When someone if having a bad day,
be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.